Thu Jan 16 13:08:48 UTC 2025: ## Ceasefire Reached Between Israel and Hamas, but Long-Term Peace Remains Uncertain

**GAZA CITY/JERUSALEM** – A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has been reached, bringing a temporary halt to the latest devastating conflict in Gaza. The agreement, brokered by Egypt and Qatar with US backing, will see a phased release of hostages, beginning on Sunday. Both President Biden and President-elect Trump have claimed credit for the deal, with Biden citing “dogged and painstaking American diplomacy” and Trump attributing it to his “Historic Victory” in the previous election.

Despite the ceasefire announcement, fighting continued through Thursday morning, leaving at least 46 Palestinians dead. The Israeli government is expected to approve the deal, although opposition from hardliners remains.

The agreement is structured in three phases, raising concerns about its long-term viability. Experts warn that the phased approach creates vulnerabilities, mirroring the setbacks encountered during the Oslo Accords. Opponents on both sides could exploit the extended timeframe to undermine the process. Furthermore, the deal lacks written assurances regarding the continuation of the ceasefire beyond the first phase, which involves the initial exchange of hostages.

While the ceasefire provides much-needed relief, analysts emphasize it does not address the underlying issues fueling the conflict. These include ongoing violence in the West Bank, expansion of Israeli settlements, and tensions surrounding holy sites in East Jerusalem. Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib of the Atlantic Council expressed concern that the ceasefire may simply freeze the conflict, leaving Gaza in ruins. Alex Plitsas, also of the Atlantic Council, highlighted the significant challenges in achieving a long-term solution and securing the release of all remaining hostages.

The ceasefire, while welcomed, is seen by some as a short-term measure, a “strangle contract” imposed by Israel due to its relative military strength. The war’s underlying causes remain unresolved, suggesting the possibility of future conflicts. The current ceasefire, therefore, marks a pause, not an end, to the protracted Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

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